Microsoft Edge introduces a new scam protection tool
When was the last time you saw one of those scary pop-ups claiming that your computer was infected?
These scams often come complete with flashing red warnings and a fake phone number that claims to be for “Microsoft support.”
It’s called scareware, and it’s goal to panic you into handing over money or access to your device.
Even the most careful among us can be caught off guard.
You may be as happy as we are to hear that Microsoft is fighting back. In a big way.
Microsoft has updated Edge with an AI-powered tool that stops fake alerts before they reach you.
It’s part of a wider effort to make Edge one of the most secure browsers for both Windows and Mac users.
Edge now includes something called a Scareware Blocker. This is switched on by default for most newer computers.
It uses a clever AI model that can “see” the kind of full-screen scam pages designed to look like real system alerts. The ones that say “your device is infected” or “call support immediately.”
When it spots one, it shuts it down instantly, before you or your team have a chance to click anything dangerous.
When someone reports a scam, it helps everyone. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen learns from the report and blocks the same threat for others, often hours or days before it appears on global threat lists.
In tests, just one report stopped about 50 other people from being targeted.
There’s also a brand new scareware sensor built into the latest version of Edge. This helps Microsoft’s systems spot new scams in real time, without sending your personal data or screenshots anywhere.
It’s switched off for now, but Microsoft says it will soon be enabled automatically for anyone with SmartScreen turned on.
Unfortunately, scams are everywhere, and they’re getting worse. One wrong click on a fake warning can lead to stolen passwords, emptied bank accounts, or even full-on ransomware attacks.
While many scams target individuals, schools and small- and medium-sized businesses are increasingly in the firing line.
Criminals know that even one employee slipping up can be the weak link.
Tools like this new protection in Edge help to plug those gaps. They use AI to react faster than a human ever could. And that means one less thing to worry about when your team is busy getting real work done.
If your organisation uses Microsoft Edge, make sure you’re running the latest version. The new scam protection could save you a lot of trouble and a few heart-stopping moments.
Not sure how well your systems are protected against scams like this? It may be time for a security audit. Our team can help.
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